MVP Girls 2019: More Than Just Basketball

(Courtesy of MVP) MVP 2019, the premier Jewish Orthodox girls basketball and tennis camp at Camp Seneca Lake, under the direction of Carol and Judah Rhine and Irv Bader, celebrated its 11th consecutive successful season. This was the third year for MVP Tennis, which was a huge success and registration closed out very quickly.

This year’s MVP Basketball and Tennis Camp featured campers with all levels of playing ability. Players from grades four through 10, representing many schools throughout the tri-state area participated, including: Hillel Yeshiva, Magen David Yeshiva, North Shore Hebrew Academy, Barkai, Silverstein, YCQ, Yeshiva Har Torah, Luria, HALB, Yeshivah of Flatbush and others.

The MVP Girls Basketball players were divided into three divisions and played many league games, which were competitive and very exciting. Some of the counselor/coaches were former MVP players and were able to give over their experiences to this year’s MVP players from their years at MVP. Upon arrival, each MVP basketball player received a reversible MVP jersey.

MVP Girls Tennis players played many matches over the course of the four day camp! Singles and doubles matches were competitive and exciting. The tennis program was headed by college tennis coach Chad Davis and his staff. The players received individualized attention in clinics and lessons which enhanced their improvement. Upon arrival, each MVP tennis player received an MVP Tennis jersey featuring the MVP Tennis logo.

Each day at MVP was filled with a jam packed Schedule starting with Shacharit, followed by breakfast, and then a series of morning activities including, basketball clinics and tennis lessons, swim featuring the giant slide, brand new Seneca Water Park with lakefront inflatables and boating, league games and tennis matches. After lunch activities included two on two and one on one competitions, additional clinics, games, matches and much, much more. After dinner, all MVP players played their night games and matches and competed in the individual skills contests.

The girls enjoyed the famous MVP BBQs on the deck of the brand new Seneca Canteen giving all the MVP players across all the divisions and schools, the opportunity to interact and meet and socialize with each other. One evening, after a special night swim, the girls enjoyed roasting marshmallows at the bonfire/campfire. On another evening, after the games and matches, instead of the BBQ, the girls were treated to special waffles and ice cream creations at the Seneca Sprinkles Ice Cream Parlor

All of the championship games and matches for each division were played on Thursday night. On Friday, a lavish brunch was followed by the annual closing award ceremonies, where many trophies and medals were distributed to champions from all the many competitions that took place during the course of the week, including the MVP awards to the MVPs of each of the leagues and tennis players. Before boarding the buses, each camper received an MVP wristband and an MVP cellphone/money pouch. Everyone was already looking forward and talking about MVP 2020.

This year’s MVP was once again privileged to have Tiffany Sergeant, former college player and coach of the North Shore Hebrew Academy seventh grade girls basketball team. Sergeant imparted her basketball experience through clinics and was a real favorite amongst all the girls at MVP. MVP welcomed Jai-Leah Ellis, former college player and the head coach of Frisch girls basketball junior varsity, who also bonded with the girls.

In reviewing this year’s MVP experience, Co-Director Carol Rhine stated, “MVP Girls gives Jewish girls from all over the tri-state area an opportunity to play basketball and tennis in a competitive atmosphere, and at the same time, a chance to make new friends and experience being away in camp in a beautiful setting. For many campers, this was their first time at a sleep away camp. MVP Girls Basketball and Tennis Camp gives girls on every level of basketball or tennis the opportunity to learn fundamental skills from top players and coaches and improve their game. Every player can be an MVP.”

MVP has already started planning for MVP Girls 2020 which promises to be even bigger and better with some new exciting additions including MVP Dance! The camp is expecting a record registration. Please make sure to register early so you don’t get closed out.

For more information please go to our website themvpcamps.com or email [email protected].